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Carpenter

A practical, manual role with a variety of specialised and general tasks in the construction industry.

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Job opportunities

2,019

Jobs on SEEK right now

Job growth

11.7%*

Projected job growth in 5 years

What's it like to be a Carpenter?

Carpenters construct, build, install, repair and erect wooden frames, foundations, walls and fixtures on residential, commercial and industrial projects. Usually Carpenters work with wood, plywood and wallboard.

Tasks and duties

Studying building plans and drawings to work out the materials required and how best to install features.
Preparing, treating, cutting and shaping timber elements to be used for structures or fittings.
Erecting building framework, roofs and floors, fitting exteriors, doors and window frames.

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Each day as a Carpenter may vary depending on the specific project you're working on.

There are lots of opportunities for carpenters - you may work as a shopfitter, framework carpenter, formwork carpenter, or green carpentry, which uses materials to make buildings more energy efficient and sustainable.

What can I earn as a Carpenter?

All

NSW

VIC

QLD

TAS

ACT

The most common salary in AUS for a Carpenter is between $55k and $65k

Compare salaries by similar roles

Cabinet Maker

Most common salaryAUS

$20k$60k$120k

See skills overlap

90%

Formwork Carpenter

Most common salaryAUS

$25k$65k$130k

See skills overlap

54%

Labourer

Most common salaryAUS

$20k$60k$110k

See skills overlap

45%

Leading Hand

Most common salaryAUS

$20k$103k$170k

See skills overlap

45%

Trades Assistant

Most common salaryAUS

$20k$55k$110k

See skills overlap

40%

Close salary comparison

Source: SEEK job ads

How to become a Carpenter

To become officially certified as a Carpenter you'll need a Certificate III in Carpentry CPC30211. This qualification provides a trade outcome in carpentry and covers work in residential and commercial applications for people completing an apprenticeship. You will need to have finished year 10 and be placed in an apprenticeship to start your training.

Complete a Certificate III in Carpentry or a Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery CPC32011 in a TAFE institution. This usually takes between three and four years to complete.
Anyone who works on a construction site in Australia is required to do construction induction training and get a "White Card" through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). You will need to provide the trainer with 100 points of ID and pay the fee (set independently by each RTO).
Apply for a Certificate of Completion. This nationally recognised accreditation shows that you have completed your training and are ready to start working in the carpentry industry.

Explore related qualifications

SEEK users who have worked as a Carpenter have studied these qualifications.

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NSW

VIC

QLD

TAS

ACT

Certificate III in Carpentry

This qualification provides the skills to prepare for a career in the carpentry industry.

Compare institutions

See 13 institutions that offer this course in Australia.

Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery

This qualification will prepare you to work in carpentry and joinery in both residential and commercial settings.

Compare institutions

See 6 institutions that offer this course in Australia.

Skills and experience employers are looking for

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Self Motivation

Drivers Licence

Thoroughness

Communication Skills

Autonomy

Reliability

Team Work

Construction Induction White Card

Safety

Workplace Health and Safety

Skills listed in your SEEK Profile

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How do Carpenters rate their role?

Latest reviews from 5 Carpenters surveyed on SEEK

Work-life balance

3.8

Job satisfaction

4.2

Career progression opportunities

3.8

Job security

4.0

Pay / Salary

3.8

Variety of work

4.0

Latest reviews

All

Positive

Negative

Nov 2018

Challenging and rewarding

Reviewer's Qualification

Certificate III in Building and Construction (Carpentry and Joinery)

Experience

10+ years

Organisation size

Small (1-19 employees)

Specialisation

General building

The good things

The essential feeling of contributing to the world we live in and the sense of achievement when projects are completed successfully. Its hard work sometimes but mostly worth it.

The challenges

The job can be physically challenging and dirty at times, however these challenges only aid in the reward and sense of achievement felt at the end of the day.

Builder-Carpenter

Reviewer's Qualification

Registered builder certificate Carpenter and joiners certificate

Experience

10+ years

Organisation size

Small (1-19 employees)

Specialisation

High end homes

The good things

The good things about my roll as a builder is that we are working on most people’s most expensive thing they own, we get to work in very closely with our clients to be able to achieve the best results...

The challenges

Meeting budgets and organising other trades.

Source: SEEK Role Reviews